Chapter 1: The Unveiling
The room was shrouded in darkness, pierced only by the morning sun timidly sneaking through the window. A white almirah came into view, adorned with a poster of the 'American dragon.' A black t-shirt, featuring a large skull, hung in a corner. Grim reaper posters covered the walls. A slender figure peacefully slumbered under the protective covers, oblivious to the outside world
Abruptly, the blaring alarm shattered the tranquility
Rafael: "Ugh! Not this damn dream again! I feel like I had just slept."
Rubbing sleep from his eyes, Rafael, a young man, grappled with the aftermath of a recurring and unsettling dream that had plagued him for months
Running his hands through messy hair, Rafael's gaze shifted to the clock
Rafael: "Shit! It's 8 AM. I am going to be late again."
The realization of time's tyranny jolted him into action. In front of the mirror, he attempted to tame his disheveled hair. Standing at 6 feet tall, his slender frame hinted at abs, but an overall appearance of weakness persisted. Black hair, a chaotic cascade, framed his pasty white complexion and accentuated the dark circles beneath his raven eyes, all conveying a single narrative — he desperately needed more sleep
Observing his reflection, Rafael acknowledged the need for more exercise. However, self-awareness didn't necessarily translate into action. He was a self-proclaimed nerd, preferring the company of books, shows, and games over the exertion of physical activity
After a hurried brushing and shower, he prepared for college. A black hoodie, sky-blue jeans, and black sneakers composed his ensemble. The hoodie bore a plain exterior, save for the twin cross scythe painted in fluorescent white forming an 'X' on the chest
With the hood concealing his head and loud music enveloping him through earphones, Rafael's journey to the bus stop was a seamless experience. Patiently awaiting the bus, he delved into his phone, searching for the upcoming album of his favorite band. However, his fingers, seemingly possessed, redirected him towards the search results about recurring dreams
As he perused information suggesting subconscious messages in recurring dreams, Rafael couldn't help but ponder the deeper meaning behind his own nightly visions
Rafael: "Ugh! This thing is more useless than a candle at the ocean floor. Guess that's what you get when you try to replace a doctor with Google."
Frustrated, Rafael locked his phone. Attempting to quell his thoughts, he immersed himself in music, but the disturbing dream persisted in his mind. The image of an old man lingered
A tap on his shoulder startled him. Turning around, he encountered a cheerful blonde guy
Rafael: "Jesus Christ! Are you trying to give me a heart-attack or something?"
Max: "Calm down, would you? Why are you so jumpy so early in the morning?"
The blonde guy, Max, was Rafael's best friend. Standing at 5.6' Max was still half a foot smaller than Rafael. His fair complexion was only complimented by his blue eyes, his face always wore two things, a goofy smile and freckles. These two things made him comparatively younger than others, though he was of the same age as Rafael himself
Rafael: "Hey blondie! I am not jumpy. Surprise anyone from the back and they'd have the same reaction."
Max: "Would you quit calling me that, you zombie?"
Rafael: "Nope."
Max, sensing Rafael's weary demeanor, inquired
Max: "Still not able to sleep, eh?"
Rafael: "Not really."
Even without Rafael disclosing the dream, Max, well acquainted with his friend, sensed something amiss. Rafael, knowing Max's knack for unraveling secrets, understood there was no use denying it
Max: "You know a change of air might actually help."
Rafael: "Going to your home doesn't count as a change of air. That stale air would cause more harm than good."
Max: "Ouch! That hurts. Anyways, that's not what I meant. The guys were thinking of going camping after college today."
Rafael: "I don't know, Max; it sounds like a tedious task."
Max: "Come on, man; it's Friday. You know what, just let it be. I get it. You no longer want to hang out with your little buddy. It's alright, I understand."
Max's teasing smile held a power over Rafael, a trick discovered since they were five
Rafael: "Alright! Stop it, you drama queen. When do we leave?"
Their banter continued, and later at the bus stop, they bid their goodbyes, anticipating an evening reunion. Rafael reached home, completed his packing, secretly excited about the camping trip despite his reservations. Immersed in the lap of nature, he found solace, sensing a deeper connection between man and nature
Time, a deceptive force, played its games. Moments of joy raced by, while troubling times crept at a snail's pace. Rafael, lost in contemplation about the upcoming trip, found himself ensnared by another elusive entity — sleep. Having eluded him for months, he could no longer distinguish between the realms of wakefulness and slumber
Mysterious voice: "Find me, Rafael! The time is almost up! Find me."
Startled awake, Rafael dismissed the words as mere hallucination. However, the same rusty voice echoed in his room while he was wide awake
Mysterious voice "Lives depend on you, Rafael. You must make haste. Find me."
Rafael: "Who is it? What do you want from me?"
Silence
Rafael: "Who is it?"
Silence
Rafael's repeated queries yielded only silence, and he reluctantly reassured his concerned mother on the ground floor
The camping trip loomed on the horizon. Rafael, packed and ready, acknowledged his anticipation, a sentiment he begrudgingly admitted. As he wrestled with his thoughts, sleep seized him once more
A jolt, a pebble against the window, and Rafael found himself outside, greeted by Joseph. Jo short for Joseph, stood at 6 feet tall, as tall as Rafael himself. His dark complexion and short hair were accompanied by his brown eyes. His build would suggest he was an athletic but he would be winded, running a 100m run, in the video game. Smith was the shortest one in the group. Standing at 5 feet 4' he almost looked too young to be with them. His hazel eyes along with his pasty white complexion, formed, well formed a unique mix. Though the shortest he definitely was the sharpest amongst them all. The group gathered — Max, Jo, Smith, and Rafael. An odd assortment, yet Rafael cherished them like family
Rafael: "Hey Max, Smith, you guys ready for camping?"
With a routine check-in, they embarked on their journey to the forest, the local woods merely minutes away. Having explored it in childhood, they discovered an ideal camping spot, and the memories fueled their excitement
Setting up tents and gathering firewood, the camaraderie continued. Max noticed Rafael's restlessness
Max: "You try to relax, buddy. Try to get as much fresh air and rest as possible tonight."
Rafael: "Yeah! And honestly, the peace and serenity of this place is a welcome change."
Tents erected, fire blazing, and marshmallows roasting, the evening unfolded. The banter of teenage boys reverberated through the forest, untouched by the challenges awaiting them
As the night settled in, Rafael couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling, a premonition lingering in the air. The old man from his dream, his enigmatic message, became a specter haunting his thoughts
Mysterious voice: "Find me, Rafael. Lives depend on you."
Unbeknownst to Rafael, the threads of destiny had woven a tapestry, and the camping trip was but a stitch in the intricate design of his life
Under the celestial tapestry, the friends sat around the crackling fire, shadows dancing upon their faces. Rafael's unease, though momentarily pushed to the background, lingered like a silent whisper in the breeze. The flames, now storytellers, painted tales on the canvas of the night
Max reminisced
Max: "Guys, remember the time we got lost here?"
Smith chuckled
Smith: "Oh, that was the day you were convinced you could outsmart nature, right?"
Jo added
Jo: "No one can outsmart nature, especially not Max"
And the group erupted in laughter
As the laughter subsided, Rafael's mind wandered. The dream, the voice, it all felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. He stared into the flames, lost in thought
Max: "Hey, Rafael, you, okay?"
Rafael: "Yeah, just thinking about that dream again."
Smith: "Dreams are just dreams, man. Don't let them mess with your head"
Rafael: "Easy for you to say. Yours are probably about rainbows and unicorns"
Smith: "Rainbows and unicorns? More like aliens and conspiracies"
Their banter continued, providing a temporary distraction. Yet, Rafael couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to his dreams, something beyond the realm of ordinary nightmares
As the night deepened, the friends huddled closer to the fire, their faces illuminated by its warm glow. Max pulled out a guitar, and the melody of their favorite songs filled the air. The forest, once a mysterious expanse, now embraced them with its soothing symphony
Rafael found comfort in the music, momentarily letting go of the weight on his shoulders. His friends, oblivious to the turmoil within him, reveled in the simple joy of camaraderie
The flames waned, and the forest embraced an eerie stillness. A distant owl hooted, and the rustling leaves added a mysterious cadence to the night
Jo: "Alright, guys, let's call it a night. We've got a day of adventure ahead"
They retreated to their tents, leaving Rafael alone with the crackling embers. Sleep, an elusive companion, teased him from the edges of consciousness. His mind, a battleground between dreams and reality, succumbed to the lullaby of the night
In the quiet expanse of the forest, Rafael's dream unfolded once more. The old man, his voice laden with urgency, repeated the cryptic message
Mysterious voice: "Lives depend on you, Rafael. Find me."
Rafael, now in the dream, wandered through a labyrinth of shadows, chasing echoes of the voice. The forest transformed into a surreal landscape, trees whispering secrets, and the moon casting an ethereal glow
As he navigated this dream realm, he encountered glimpses of faces—familiar yet unknown. Each face carried a silent plea, an unspoken connection to his destiny
A sudden awakening brought Rafael back to the rustling leaves and the cool night air. The dream lingered; its residue etched in his mind. The transition between worlds felt seamless yet disjointed
Morning light filtered through the trees, awakening the campsite. Rafael emerged from his tent, the remnants of the dream still haunting the corners of his consciousness
The day unfolded with exploration, laughter, and the shared joy of adventure. Rafael, caught in the currents of the present, momentarily set aside the enigma of his dreams
However, destiny, an invisible weaver, continued its intricate dance. The shadows of the past cast ripples on the canvas of the future, and Rafael stood at the nexus, unaware of the threads entwining his fate
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, the friends gathered once more around the fire. The crackling flames mirrored the dance of uncertainty within Rafael
Little did he know, the answers to his questions lurked in the mysteries of the night, waiting to reveal themselves as the tale of his journey unfolded in the chapters yet to come
The night wore on, and the forest enveloped the campsite in an inky embrace. Rafael's thoughts, like elusive specters, returned to the dream that lingered at the edge of his consciousness
Jo: "I'm telling you; this place has a mystical vibe. I can almost sense the spirits of the ancient forest"
Max: "Don't start with your ghost stories, Max. Rafael's had enough of dreams and mysteries for one day"
Rafael managed a smile, masking the currents of uncertainty beneath. The camaraderie of his friends, the crackling fire, and the mystical ambiance of the forest created a tapestry of conflicting emotions
As the fire's glow painted their faces, Smith suggested a game of truth or dare. The laughter that ensued echoed through the trees, as secrets were shared and dares were met with spirited enthusiasm
In the midst of the revelry, Rafael's gaze drifted toward the expanse beyond the firelight. The darkness held a silent promise, a whisper of the unknown
Max: "Rafael, truth or dare?"
Rafael replied, curiosity mingling with a hint of apprehension
Rafael: "Truth"
Max grinned mischievously
Max: "Have you ever felt like your dreams are trying to tell you something important?"
The question hung in the air, a palpable shift in the atmosphere. Rafael hesitated, contemplating the weight of his answer
Rafael: "Yeah, lately, I've been having this recurring dream. An old man keeps saying, 'Lives depend on you, Rafael. Find me.' It's strange, but it feels like there's more to it than just a dream."
The revelation cast a solemn hush over the group. Max, usually the purveyor of lighthearted banter, wore a thoughtful expression
Smith suggested, attempting to dispel the gravity of the moment
Smith: "You should probably see a dream expert or something. Maybe it's stress or an overactive imagination,".
Max, more intuitive than the rest, studied Rafael with a discerning gaze
Max: "Or maybe, there's a hidden adventure waiting for you, Rafael. Who knows what the old man in your dreams is trying to tell you?"
The suggestion lingered in the night air, an unspoken acknowledgment of the mysteries woven into the fabric of their reality. As the fire dwindled, the friends retreated to their tents, leaving Rafael alone with the whispers of the night. Sleep, once again, eluded him. The dream, now an integral part of his nocturnal landscape, beckoned him into its enigmatic realm.
In the quiet hours before dawn, Rafael found himself standing at the threshold between two worlds. The forest, both guardian and enigma, cradled his restless spirit
The journey had just begun, and Rafael, unaware of the path ahead, stood at the crossroads of destiny. The threads of the unknown tightened their grip, and the tapestry of his adventure awaited further unraveling in the chapters that lay ahead
The next day unfolded beneath the azure sky, and the friends embraced the call of the wild once more. Hiking deeper into the forest, they discovered hidden clearings and ancient trees that seemed to whisper tales of centuries past
Soon the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange and pink hue across the sky, the group reconvened at the campsite. Rafael felt a renewed sense of connection with nature, the vibrant energy of the forest seeping into his very being
As the evening settled in, Jo took center stage, surrounded by the flickering glow of the campfire. The shadows danced on the edges of the clearing, creating an ambiance ripe for storytelling
Jo: "Alright, gather around, my brave adventurers! It's time for a tale that will send shivers down your spines," Jo announced with theatrical flair.
The friends huddled closer; their faces illuminated by the fire's warm glow. Max, still worried about Rafael, rolled his eyes, but a subtle anticipation lingered in the air
Jo's voice wove a narrative of ancient curses, haunted spirits, and a mysterious figure that roamed the woods at night. Rafael, caught in the tale's embrace, couldn't help but feel a tingle of excitement and trepidation
The fire crackled, casting elongated shadows that seemed to reach out from the depths of the forest. As Jo's story reached its climax, a rustle in the bushes sent a collective shiver through the group
Smith said, trying to mask his unease with a forced laugh
Smith: "Alright, Jo, you've successfully given us the creeps. Now cut it out"
Jo chuckled
Jo: "Just adding a bit of atmosphere to the story. But seriously, imagine encountering the mysterious figure from the tale out here in the dark. Now that would be an adventure!"
The friends laughed off the lingering unease, dismissing the notion of anything supernatural. Little did they know, the night held secrets that transcended the realms of their understanding
As the laughter faded into the night, Rafael found himself gazing into the darkness beyond the campfire. The ancient trees stood sentinel; their branches intertwined like mystical guardians
As the flames of the campfire danced in rhythm with Jo's tale, Rafael and his friends sat enraptured by the unfolding narrative. The nocturnal symphony of the forest, from the crackling fire to the subtle rustling of leaves, provided the backdrop to Jo's storytelling prowess
Rafael, lost in thought, stared into the mesmerizing dance of the flames. Suddenly, the fire extinguished, plunging the clearing into darkness. A moment later, it reignited, but this time, it burned an otherworldly green
The eerie glow revealed a surreal scene. Bones crunched beneath Rafael's feet, and the rock he sat on transformed into a colossal skull. A distant groan echoed, and to Rafael's horror, some of the bones started to move
Startled, Rafael recoiled, but Jo's voice interrupted his unease
Jo: "Come on, Rafael. You can't be scared yet. I've barely begun."
Rafael: "Sorry, Jo. It looks like it was a bad idea after all. Maybe we should call it a night."
Max: "Maybe we should all call it a night."
With those words, Rafael and Max retreated to their respective tents, leaving Jo and Smith conversing before retiring themselves
However, Rafael found no solace in sleep. Terrifying visions, illuminated by the lingering green fire, haunted his dreams – the decay of his friends, bones beneath his feet, the colossal skull, and the unsettling movement of bones. Every image gripped his senses, refusing to release its hold
Tossing and turning, Rafael struggled against the relentless grip of fear until exhaustion finally overcame him
A gust of cold wind abruptly roused him. Opening his eyes, Rafael discovered the fire extinguished once more. Puzzled, he zipped up the tent and was about to settle down when a voice echoed in the stillness
Mysterious voice: "Come to me, Rafael! You are near. Come to me! Take the last step! Come to me."
Rafael jolted upright, his heart pounding. Rushing outside to confront the source, he was met with a sight vastly different from the campsite they had left behind not long ago. The tents, the forest's chorus, everything was gone, replaced by an unsettling silence
Mysterious voice: "Come to Rafael, make the final step, come to me."
Against every logical instinct, Rafael ran towards the beckoning voice, leaving behind the vanished campsite and the companions who had now disappeared
The journey led him deeper into the woods, each step heavier than the last. Eventually, he reached the red point, a boundary set in their childhood. Standing at the precipice, Rafael hesitated, contemplating whether to breach the self-imposed limit
Rafael: "Here I am, standing in the middle of the night, in a forest, my friends missing. I am standing at the red point, thinking of going further. Smart move, Rafael, smart move indeed."
Despite the internal reasoning, Rafael pressed on. Each step felt burdensome, his heart threatening to explode
Mysterious voice: "You are almost there, Rafael. Make the final step."
With resolve, he took that last, arduous step into a clearing. As if a weight had lifted, he felt a sudden ease
Before him stood an old man, draped in black robes, face hidden by a hood, a long white beard cascading down his chest. In one hand, the man held a wooden staff
Mysterious old man: "Well done, Rafael."
The voice echoed, hauntingly familiar from Rafael's recurring dreams
Rafael: "I am dreaming again. Wonderful."
Mysterious old man: "This is not a dream, young one. This is reality, and I am very real."
As Rafael grappled with the shock, the old man, gestured to a nearby rock, inviting him to sit. Rafael complied, questioning whether the rock had always been there
Mysterious old man: "My name is Gorion and I am here to provide answers to your questions."
Rafael: "What questions? Who are you, and what do you want from me?"
Gorion: "All will be revealed in due time. But, Rafael, aren't there more pressing questions you should ask me?"
Rafael: "What questions? You're just a crazy old man. I'm leaving."
Yet, Gorion's words stopped Rafael in his tracks
Gorion: "Questions like why you feel different, why you never feel at home, why you lack a sense of belonging, why you think this is not your purpose, and why you seek the meaning of destiny. Why do you feel the world is not real?"
Stunned, Rafael sat back, his innermost thoughts laid bare. He muttered something inaudibly before Gorion continued, unfazed
Gorion: "All answers in due time, Rafael. Oh, don't be surprised, I know more than your name. I know your dreams unsettle you, that you always seek what's missing, that you can't commit for long, that you search for the day's secrets. I know you acknowledge the supernatural despite being a skeptic."
Hearing all this made Rafael furious. This old man who he had never met before, now sat before him speaking his innermost thoughts, the thoughts that he never could have spoken out loud and all that in a way like a conversation one would have over tea
Rafael: "Why don't you tell me why, even surrounded by loved ones, I feel out of place? Why, with everything, I sense a void? Why do dreams feel more real than reality? Why don't you break the lie in the lights and reveal the truth in the shadows?"
The old man's revelation left Rafael speechless, grappling with the unsettling truths he had long evaded. The forest, the mysterious voice, and the enigmatic Gorion became the stage for a journey that transcended the boundaries of reality, weaving a tale of destiny, purpose, and the untold mysteries of Rafael's existence
Gorion: "Every one of your questions will find answers, Rafael, but you must listen patiently."
As the words hung in the air, Rafael's turbulent emotions began to settle. His earlier outburst had given way to a sense of anticipation, and he waited with a newfound calmness for Gorion's response
Gorion: "As I mentioned, my name is Gorion. I am a wizard. I serve..."
An incredulous scoff escaped Rafael's lips
Rafael: "Yeah right! And I'm Tom Cruise"
The sternness in Gorion's voice silenced Rafael's skepticism
Gorion: "Silence, Rafael! Do you want me to answer your questions or not?"
Rafael fell into contemplative silence, allowing the weight of Gorion's words to sink in
Gorion: "Before you leave here tonight, you will have proof of everything I say."
The room held a pregnant pause as the promise hung in the air, and Rafael's curiosity heightened
Gorion: "As I was saying, I am a wizard. I am here under the recommendations from the high council responsible for recruiting new wizards."
Nodding, Rafael's eyes remained fixed on Gorion, awaiting the revelation that would unfold
Gorion: "You have been chosen as the next recruit."
Rafael's initial inclination to make a snide comment was subdued by a thoughtful pause. With no interruption, Gorion continued, and Rafael absorbed the unfolding narrative
Gorion: "The world I live in is much different than yours. Long ago, both worlds were one. Everyone had magic powers, and magical energy coursed through the veins of each individual. That world was much more advanced than the one you live in or the one I inhabit now. However, over time, as is human tendency, they believed everything they did, everything they had achieved, was solely because of them and not anyone else. So, a large group of people decided to boycott the use of magic. The world was divided into two countries, one where the magi lived and the other where the 'mundane' lived."
Listening intently, Rafael urged Gorion to continue
Rafael: "Okay, go on."
Gorion: "When children in the mundane country were born, a seal was placed over them that would prevent them from seeing or using magic. Then, one day, they decided to place the seal on themselves as well. Only the leader remained, as no one was left who could seal him. And just like that, 90% of the world's population suddenly knew nothing about magic. The large and sudden disbelief in magic had drastic consequences. Millions were killed, and the world itself was split into two – one where magic was still alive and one, your world, the world of the mundane."
Gorion's narrative painted a vivid picture, and Rafael was drawn into the fantastical tale
Rafael: "What happened to the leader?"
Gorion: "He could reside neither in the world of mundane nor in the world of magic. He was trapped in the void between worlds and became the first known void dweller."
Though skepticism lingered, Rafael found the story intriguing, his expressions subtly reflecting the inner turmoil of disbelief and fascination
Rafael: "Okay, but it still doesn't explain why your so-called council is trying to recruit newer mages?"
Gorion's thoughtful pause was punctuated by a decisive clap of his hands. Before Rafael, a holograph of Earth materialized, creating a captivating display of interconnected worlds. Gorion pointed toward the holograms
Gorion: "This is your world, and that is mine. The two worlds are like two sides of a coin and are connected by these strings or bridges, as we call them. Each of the bridges represents one person in your world who believes in magic. The more people we can recruit from your world, the stronger the bridges and the closer the worlds would be. But due to increasing technology and your advancing science, you guys have no time or are starting to doubt magic. Even those who believe it a little are now starting to doubt it, which will push the worlds even apart."
As Gorion manipulated the holographic display, Rafael's eyes widened with fascination and concern, and his facial expressions subtly mirrored the unraveling events
Rafael: "What was that? What just happened?"
Gorion: "Once there are no believers left in your world, all the bridges would be broken, and the flow of energy would stop. My world would explode as it alone would not be able to handle the amount of energy that was circulated in the two, and yours would simply fade away. Why do you think people of your world keep crying about energy crisis?"
Rafael nodded, captivated yet troubled by the implications
Gorion: "Have you understood everything that I have said so far?"
Rafael: "Yes, but why choose me? I am a normal human with nothing special."
Gorion's response prompted Rafael to absorb the revelation, his expressions shifting from skepticism to contemplation
Gorion: "You have not been chosen randomly. The council monitors infants since they are in their mothers' wombs. Over time, the council drops the children who possess little to no magical affinity. The remaining are observed over the years, and when they reach a suitable age, the last remaining few are contacted. Everything you have done so far was a test. Not disclosing your situation to anyone was a test; even coming here was a test. If you had run away even once, you would have never seen me, and the next morning, you would have woken up thinking it was all a dream."
Rafael: "Okay."
Gorion: "You were chosen because you have a brain that can question the small things around you that obviously do not make any sense yet are ignored by the majority of the human population. You feel you always were in the wrong place? That is because you are. You always felt that you were living in a virtual reality? Because you are. Your world appears the way it does to you because of a veil, like a brilliantly designed computer program meant to hide everything that could make you believe in magic appear like nothing out of the ordinary. You always felt something was missing because your body, without knowing, misses the magical energy that was supposed to be flowing in your veins, just as similar as blood flows right now."
Rafael: "Okay, but if all the council wants is to keep the worlds united, why not recruit anyone and everyone? Won't that solve the purpose faster? And who would reject magic?"
Gorion: "One would think that, wouldn't they? But that is not the case. Not everyone possesses an open mind. A few centuries back, it was tried. The council picked 100 humans at random as new recruits and showed them the real world. But those people were so dependent on the notion of a mundane world that they couldn't handle the mystic arts, and their minds collapsed. They remained unconscious until they died. The method that the council uses right now is a time-tested method attained by countless trial and errors and is the best one currently."
Rafael nodded, his expressions reflecting a blend of comprehension and lingering skepticism
Gorion: "Well, all that aside, we will have a lot of time to chat later. But right now, all that I have said so far must appear like the rantings of an old man to you. So, as promised, time for some proof. I can't show you everything…"
Rafael: "Ha! I knew it. I knew when the time for proof will come, you will make some lame excuse to escape."
Gorion: "Every one of your questions will find answers, Rafael, but you must listen patiently."
As Gorion spoke, the tension in the room from Rafael's earlier outburst began to dissipate. The atmosphere, once charged with emotion, now hummed with anticipation. In this newfound calm, Rafael awaited Gorion's response, his face a canvas of curiosity and skepticism against the dimly lit backdrop of the mysterious surroundings
Gorion: "As I was saying, I can't show you everything right now, but I will give you definitive proof that I am indeed one of the magical beings."
Rafael's intrigue deepened, and he responded
Rafael: "Alright! This should be interesting."
Gorion motioned for Rafael to stand closer. As Rafael complied, he observed Gorion holding a staff. The details of the staff became more apparent as they drew near. Crafted from intertwining vines that solidified into an intricate form, the staff held a sizable gem near the top, emitting a captivating blue hue. Gorion took a step back, muttered something, and then exclaimed, "Fire!" Rafael watched in awe as a mysterious force traveled from Gorion's hand into the vines, igniting them. The gem glowed, releasing a powerful force that obliterated a nearby rock. Despite the explosion, no flames spread on the ground. The gem now emanated a vibrant red glow, casting an otherworldly light in the room
Before Rafael could fully process the spectacle, Gorion extended his hand, uttering incomprehensible words. Rafael vividly recalled the sensation of being pulled from behind, the disorienting feeling of being thrown, the struggle to breathe, and the eventual revelation of being submerged underwater. The aquatic world unfolded before him—colorful corals, darting fishes. In an instant, he found himself atop a snow-covered mountain, his wet clothes clinging to him in the biting chill
Gorion: "Oh, cold, are you? Why didn't you say so?"
Suddenly, they stood on the brink of a live volcano. Rafael clung to Gorion, feeling the intense heat emanating from the fiery abyss. Gorion effortlessly spun Rafael from one breathtaking location to another—beaches, deserts, underground realms, a trip to the moon, and a waltz through the universe. The experience was a whirlwind, and in the end, he found himself back where it all began
Overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, Rafael knelt and wept. Joy, surprise, glee, and terror swirled within him. His heart weathered a hurricane of emotions, and as he took a step back to scrutinize Gorion, he questioned the enigmatic figure before him
Rafael: "Just who are you? You appeared out of nowhere, knew things I've never uttered, and shook the very foundation of my being. You ask me to believe in something I've spent my whole life denying, and yet, you provide proof that convinces me otherwise."
Gorion: "I can teach you to do all that and much more. I can guide you to harness the infinite energy of the universe, master the arcane arts, and rise above the mundane concerns that trouble you now. However, be warned—the advantages are many, but the risks are not few. The multiverse is unforgiving, filled with beings and monsters beyond your wildest dreams. Are you ready to discover your destiny and purpose? Are you willing to learn the unbeatable art? Are you prepared to leave behind your world and everything you know to explore a realm shrouded in mystery?"
Rafael: "Hold on, man. Hold on. You've given me a lot of information, and it's too much to process right now. You've delivered on your promises, and all I can say is I need time. I need time to think about what I can do. I can't just get up and leave behind everything I know. I can't deny tonight, but I also can't deny the last 18 years of my life. So, all I can say is I need time."
Gorion chuckled
Gorion: "I can see why you were picked. Very well. I shall give you two days."
Rafael: "Two days isn't enough to think about something like this."
Gorion: "Sorry, but two days is the best I can do. Goodbye, Rafael. I will see you in 48 hours, though I know what your answer is going to be."
With that, Gorion's staff shone again, and he vanished, leaving Rafael standing alone in the middle of the forest. Rafael sat down, his entire being shaken to the core
The next morning, he woke up early, exited his tent, and saw the others emerging from their tents as well. Relief washed over him at the sight of his companions
So, it was a dream after all. With that comforting thought, he started changing his clothes to head back. However, when he removed his shirt, horror struck him as he discovered a tattoo of a tree inked on his arm. As soon as he touched it, Gorion's voice echoed in his mind
Gorion: "This tattoo is the proof that last night was real, and our conversation was real. You have less than 48 hours to think. The clock is ticking, kid. Oh, and I probably do not need to tell you this, that you should not mention our conversation to anyone, or you would be putting not only yours but their lives in jeopardy as well. Oh, and no one else can see your tattoo, so do not worry."
As Rafael joined his friends, the remnants of the extraordinary night lingered in his mind like a vivid dream. The forest around them, wrapped in the tranquil embrace of dawn, held no trace of the magical journey that had unfolded just hours before. His friends, oblivious to the otherworldly events, greeted him casually
Max: "Hey pal, you alright? Slept well?"
Max inquired with a friendly grin; his face masked in the early morning shadows
Rafael: "Yeah, man! Thanks"
Rafael replied, his attempt at a nonchalant tone betrayed by the lingering bewilderment in his eyes
Jo: "Hey Rafy, you still scared?"
Jo teased; his voice laced with a mischievous undertone
Rafael: "I won't be scared by your dumbass stories, Joe. I was so bored I thought I would better sleep"
Rafael retorted, attempting to deflect the conversation away from the surreal experience he had just lived through
Jo: "Ouch! That's harsh"
Jo responded, feigning a wounded expression
Rafael: "Karma, pal"
Rafael quipped, his attempt at normalcy masking the internal turmoil of conflicting thoughts and emotions
The group, now packing up their belongings, prepared to leave the forest. As they continued through the woods, Joe and Smith ventured in their own direction, while Rafael and Max forged ahead on their chosen path
Max: "You sure you're alright, man?"
Max questioned; genuine concern etched on his face
Rafael: "Yes, blondie, now on your way."
Rafael replied, waving off the concern. The weight of the secret he now bore, the invisible tattoo branding him as a participant in a magical revelation, added an extra layer of complexity to his interactions.
Rafael cursed his luck, unable to share the best and worst moments of his life with his best friend. The conversation with Max hung in the air, a bridge between the ordinary and the extraordinary, and Rafael retreated into his thoughts as the forest swallowed them on their way out.
Upon reaching his room, Rafael tossed his bag aside and headed for a shower. The hot water cascading down his body acted as both a physical and mental cleanser.
In the solace of the shower, Rafael grappled with the incredible choices laid before him. The weight of Gorion's revelations and the impending decision he had to make pressed on him, leaving Rafael to ponder the inconceivable within the confines of steam and solitude.
He murmured to himself, the echoes of the magical night reverberating in his mind.
Rafael: "48 hours, eh? Whether I go or not, I need to come to a conclusion by then"